Return to grit a key for Zenmach

Zenmach may find the all-weather surface more to his liking at Forbury Park on Fridaynight than the grass at Oamaru last Saturday.

Zenmach wilted to eighth at Oamaru after being given little respite in the lead. The Mach Three gelding returned to winning at Ascot Park at his previous start. His six wins have been on all-weather tracks and he has been successful at Forbury Park. His regular driver Matthew Williamson is back in the sulky in race 7.

Geoff and Jude Knight, the Roxburgh trainers of Zenmach, also have Atom Hanover and Jerry Fitz in the race. Atom Hanover was a last start fourth at Forbury Park in his first race for five weeks.

Jerry Fitz, who has been bought by the Gabriels Gold syndicate from Ross Wilson, tuned up on the grass at Balfour on Sunday. The 8yr-old has not raced 11 weeks. Jerry Fitz has gained three of his 11 wins at Forbury Park, the most recent in a claiming race in May.

Brent Barclay is the new driver for Martin McGuinness with Williamson opting for Zenmach. Martin McGuinness capped off minor placings in his previous two starts with a win at Oamaru,

The Knights and owners of Zenmach, the Central Courage syndicate, have Seduce Me in race 5. A winner at Oamaru, she could make the most of her one barrier position in the race for junior drivers.

Stablemate Silver Dale, a trial winner at Balfour, has also drawn the ace in race 3.

“Our maidens Silver Dale and Idealistic Lass look our best prospects. Idealistic Lass is a nice mare who has had her share of problems,’' said Geoff Knight.

Idealistic Lass, also owned by the Central Courage syndicate, ran fourth in her lone start at Invercargill in April.

The Knight stable has Longevity in a claiming race at Winton on Sunday. Placed in her last two starts for Matt Saunders, the Mach Three mare, has been bought by the Corner Shop and Have Fun syndicates.

Rory McIlwrick, the leading junior driver, has been assisting the Williamson stable at Oamaru during the week in the absence of Brad Williamson in Perth. McIlwrick will drive the Williamson-trained Danielle Amore in race 4.

Tayler Strong